I needed to get my passport renewed. It had been almost a decade since I last got passport photos…read more Back then, I got mine at Costco. They were cheap and good quality. During the pandemic, Costco decided to shut down its photo centre permanently. Bummer. Where should I go? I did a search of a passport photo place that was open after 6 pm on a Saturday. I came across Grace Convenience on McCowan Road, a block south of Finch Avenue East. This store is in a small plaza. I had no problem backing into an available parking spot. There was a man outside smoking. I would soon find out that he owned the store and would end up taking my passport photo. I walked into the store and asked if he did passport photos. He did. It was $14.99 for two hardcopy photos. You can only pay by cash or debit. He has a small section for taking photos. I sat on a stool with a white background and he guided me through the process. He was concerned about my bangs. I said that all my passport photos had bangs in them (I've had them all my life, except for when I was born) and they were never an issue. He nodded. I looked at the first couple of photos. I politely asked if I could get another one taken. Third time was the charm. I looked less like a criminal wanted for some horrible break-and-enter offence. He spent time printing my photos, stamping the back of them, and signing them. He then safely placed them in an envelope and let me know that I didn't need any guarantors to renew my passport. He was thorough and helpful, which I appreciated. While he was preparing my photos, I looked at the cold beverages. I saw a kiwi strawberry AriZona drink that I had never had. Getting my photos done made me thirsty, so I got this drink. At this point, there were three other male customers behind me at the counter. I paid for my photos and drink with a debit card. I tapped and was done. I thanked this man for his help. I walked out of the store and headed to my car. My kiwi strawberry drink was so good. I loved the flavours and it was cold. It hit the spot. My passport photos turned out nicely. A couple of days later, I applied for my passport renewal. I now have my new passport. I like that I wore a green shirt to this photo shoot. It added a cheerful pop of colour to a rather mundane document. If you need a quality passport photo fast, come here. He probably took no longer than ten minutes to have my passport photos ready. I'm pleased with the results. I would come here again in another ten years and hope that it's still around! (118)

Pro Passport Photo available here. Opens on holidays and weekends…read more Check this out if you need passport photos in Toronto & GTA areas, especially when you need them fast: https://www.propassportphoto.com/storelocator/

We were in the area and were dying of thirst. We had planned on going to the nearby Tims, but it…read morewas a pretty blazing hot day. I spotted this store, and suggested to Lee that we go in here instead. It's a perfectly adequate convenience store, with all the convenience store stuff, from soda to beef jerky to the very much desired cold, delicious water. The lady working the register was very friendly and nice, and I would definitely stop here if I needed to pick up a quick item.

This is the stop to be. They have the best selection for drinks, Cherry Coke, vanilla Coke, all the…read morebest flavours. They sell backwoods like there is no tomorrow to all the neighborhood pot heads. Open 24/7

Dropped into this small convenience store plaza location because my girlfriend wanted to buy a…read morelotto ticket. It's a quiet store and not a well-known smoke & gift place that I've heard of before. I'm sure the owner puts in long hours. He was subdued and processed the lotto request quickly. Hats off to small businesses!

In this busy plaza tucked away in the back off of Lawrence Ave E is the Daily Express Convenience…read morestore. Yes, I does not say Express on the signage but the owner assures me his store is called Daily Express Convenience. It's not a large place but it has essentials such as lotto tickets, an ATM, snacks and drinks, alongside with stamps, and TTC tickets. Heck, if you require Fax and Copy service, he has this too! These small businesses are in a fight to survive mode every day so that's why I stopped in here to make my purchases of a lotto ticket and a snack for the road.

rude attendant, lacks basic understanding of customer service, store layout is a mess, hazardous…read moregiven the loose items stuck on cabinets -careful if you have kids in tow or if nudged by mistake by another customer.

I go to Marcy's for their marinated meat skewers. I first learned about them from a friend's BBQ…read more First time trying them will make you go like, "These are so good, where did you get them?!" Someone is bound to ask. Needless to say I was one of those people lol. Ever since then, I go to Marcy's to pick up skewers every BBQ chance I get. During peak BBQ season, you can call a day ahead to reserve and they will happily do that for you.

Definitely improved with food quality during a recent visit and surprise takeouts by the hubby when…read morehe is aware of my 'no cooking tonight' mood!! A lot more fresh and the service is warmer and friendlier. Maybe the season of Christmas is upon us! No? Too early? Bah, whateverrrr!!! And yess!! I'm addicted to their homemade vinegar which they sell at this joint, perfectly spiced with the right amount of sweetness and tang, perfect for your springrolls and other 'vinegar dipping worthy' eats at home.